This volume, now available in paperback, provides a comprehensive view of the central issues in contemporary semantic theory. New articles by leading researchers in the field give an introductory account of previous work along with a presentation of new innovations and results. Thus the Handbook is both an authoritative advanced introduction to the major developments of linguistics and a contribution to current research.

"This handbook gives an overview of some of the recent developments in semantic theory. The articles are written by well-known semanticists, who are invariably at the top of their field in the domain at hand. This leads to high quality papers that are almost without exception a great pleasure to read...I am sure the book will be widely used for reference and initial introduction to new topics by both researchers and students."Henriette De Swart, University of Utrecht "This book collects state-of-the-art discussions in virtually all the fundamental areas of semantic inquiry. Leading scholars in the field present and critically discuss each topic in an assessible, self contained way. The result is a quite vivid and exciting picture of the ground-breaking progress made in semantics over the past twenty years. For the expert, Lappin's volume will constitute an extremely valuable up-to-date resource on current reseach; for the beginner, an effective pedagogical aid. A most welcome accomplishment." Gennaro Chierchia, University of Milan

Notes on Contributors.

Preface.

Introduction.

Part I: Formal Semantics in Linguistics: .

1. The Development of Formal Semantics in Linguistic Theory: Barbara H. Partee.